Beauty & Style

Duchess Kate celebrates Christmas in chic tartan look

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to be in good spirits as they hosted a Christmas party at Kensington Palace today.

Amongst those invited were families of deployed personnel from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham, and to kickstart the celebrations, on hand were Santa costumes and a fake snow machine.

After the party, the couple couldn’t resist throwing a few fake snowballs at each other, and joining in on the festive fun were the entertainers that were booked for the occasion.

Kate, 36, opted for an Emilia Wickstead red tartan skirt that costs a cool NZ$2750, she paired it with a black cashmere sweater from designer Brora.

The Duchess looked relaxed as she conversed with RAF families and offered her sympathies as they won’t be seeing their loved ones over the holiday period due to being deployed in Cyprus.

Over 200 wives, husbands, children and parents were in attendance, and Kate was seen discussing her own experience as a service wife as she empathised with the families.

The occasion saw William and Kate play games with the children and also take part in Christmas activities such as making cards and other treats.

The couple will board a “Royal Mail” flight tomorrow to visit those who are deployed in Cyprus to help deliver gifts from their family members.

The Duke and Duchess will spend two days with RAF families to show their gratitude to the 7500 military personnel who are away from home, serving their country.

Delivering a speech to those in attendance, Kate told the families: “William and I just wanted to pass on our huge gratitude to all of you here today.

“Not only are we grateful for you coming here to join our party, but also for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis on behalf of the nation.”

She went on to discuss her own experience as a service wife, during William’s time as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

“As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when a loved one leaves home to do the job they’ve trained for,” she said.

“When William served in the Falklands or went search and rescue, I remember how it felt. But I can’t imagine how it feels when your loved ones are away on active service over Christmas or at those special family moments.

“The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year. William and I, however, hope that today shows, in some small way, how much you are all valued.

“We should never forget our military families and all the service you do for us all.”

William and Kate spent all their time engaged in conversation with families while children took part in party games and other festive activities.